Richard M. Ramin
Encyclopedia
Richard Max Ramin was Vice President for Public Affairs at Cornell University
for twenty-four years and a member of the Cornell staff for forty-one. In the weeks following the Willard Straight Takeover of April 19, 1969, pressure grew for Cornell President James A. Perkins
to resign. Ramin came to the fore as he handled the Cornell Fund through the crisis. Six weeks after Willard Straight Hall
was the site of a student protest garnering national attention, Ramin’s fundraising was twenty-three percent (23%) ahead of the 1968 campaign.
for two years as a First Lieutenant. He was then employed as a Cruise Director, Holland-American Steamship Lines.
titles.
. In this capacity, he was required to defend the university’s donor based through the awkward years following the Willard Straight Takeover. In 1970, Dick was asked to take on the collateral duty of Assistant Vice President for Public Affairs during the six years of periodic student protest which followed the Willard Straight incident . Speaking of Ramin’s accomplishments as Director of Development, President Dale Corson said, “under Dick Ramin’s guidance, Cornell’s record in fund-raising has been unsurpassed by any educational institution in the United States.”
In 1971, President Corson elevated Dick Ramin to the Vice President for Public Affairs. In this new omnibus role, Ramin took charge of departments responsible for Alumni Affairs, Alumni Systems and Gift Services, University Development, the University Council, the Trust Office, Office of University Events, college and unit Public Affairs offices and a network of ten regional offices, including International Alumni Affairs. For the next twenty-four years, Dick served with distinction. During his tenure, the Cornell University Council and the University’s Regional Public Affairs Offices were established—two precedent-setting achievements— and three major capital campaigns took place. It was his protection and enhancement of Cornell’s capital endowment that Ramin excelled.
Under Ramin’s early leadership, the Cornell Centennial Campaign was successfully completed at $73.2 million in 1965. He then brought the 1980 Cornell Campaign to $250 million in donations. Dick then spearheaded Cornell’s $1.25 billion Capital Campaign, begun in 1991 and successfully completed in 1995, just before his death. “Cornell never had a more devoted alumnus, nor I a more steadfast friend, than Dick Ramin,” said President Rhodes
. “He lived and breathed Cornell. He was a superb fund-raiser: his work will live on in the remarkable benefits that the present $1.25 billion campaign will contribute to the future strength of the university he loved so much.” .” Robert V. Tishman
said “[h]e was creative, knowledgeable, and the results of what I have done [for Cornell] under his guidance are among the most rewarding I have experienced. Behind that easy country-boy approach was a very sharp mind.”
were married. Frances, a graduate of Keuka College
, was then-employed in the Program Department of Willard Straight Hall. In September 1960, the Ramins had their first child, Robert Anthony; in 1963, their daughter, Nancy Alice, was born. Robert Ramin was married to Denise DeConcini in 1985, and they have two children, Margaret Alice and Daniel Anthony. Mrs. Denise (DeConcini) Ramin is the daughter of Dennis DeConcini
, former United States Senator from the State of Arizona and Mrs. Susan (Hurley) DeConcini of Tucson, Arizona
. She took her medical degree from the George Washington University School of Medicine. She took her bachelor’s degree from Cornell University, as did Robert Ramin, who also took his masters in business administration from Cornell's Graduate School of Management. Nancy Ramin married Lawrence Dalton in 1987. They have a daughter, Christine Alice. Over the years, Dick Ramin enjoyed attending the children’s school functions, traveling, cooking Sunday morning brunches, boating, barbecuing at the cottage, playing with his grandchildren, winning at “The Poker Group,” listening to jazz, playing the boom bass, and relaxing with those he loved.
with the class of 1951. Dick majored in political science
. In 1968, he participated in the Graduate School of Business and Public Administration’s (B&PA) Executive Development Program in 1968.
fraternity and the Sphinx Head
honorary society. Ramin was a member of the Board of Managers of Willard Straight Hall (1956-58) and a member of the Straight Board of Governors (1958-60). He was Delta Kappa Epsilon’s faculty advisor (1956-59) and a member of the University’s National Scholarship Committee during that same time. Ramin also was a member of the Cornell’s Administrative Systems Planning and Control Committee and a member of the American Alumni Council (AAC) and the American College Public Relations Association (ACPRA). In the Ithaca community, Ramin was a member of the Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce, a deacon of the First Congregational Church, a member of the YMCA Board of Directors. He was active in Explorer scouting and the United Way.
Harvey Sampson, a Ramin confidante of forty-eight years, remarked: “Dick was a very special person. He was modest and unassuming about his accomplishments, which were many and substantial. He was never boastful, nor did he do anything with fanfare or to promote himself. He always praised and gave credit to others.” And as former Cornell president Dale Corson summarized, “[Ramin] will be remembered fondly by those who worked for and with him, for his integrity, his kindness and compassion, his unswerving friendship, his gentle manner, the twinkle in his eye, and his pride in Cornell University and its potential.”
memorial service, June 18, 1995, the overflow of mourners attested to the words of President Frank H.T. Rhodes
:
Cornell University
Cornell University is an Ivy League university located in Ithaca, New York, United States. It is a private land-grant university, receiving annual funding from the State of New York for certain educational missions...
for twenty-four years and a member of the Cornell staff for forty-one. In the weeks following the Willard Straight Takeover of April 19, 1969, pressure grew for Cornell President James A. Perkins
James A. Perkins
James A. Perkins was the seventh president of Cornell University. Born in 1911 in Philadelphia, Perkins graduated with high honors in 1934 from Swarthmore College and received a doctorate in political science from Princeton University in 1937...
to resign. Ramin came to the fore as he handled the Cornell Fund through the crisis. Six weeks after Willard Straight Hall
Willard Straight Hall
Willard Straight Hall is the student union building on the central campus of Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. It is located on Campus Road, adjacent to the Ho Plaza and the Gannett Health Center.-History:...
was the site of a student protest garnering national attention, Ramin’s fundraising was twenty-three percent (23%) ahead of the 1968 campaign.
Early life
Dick Ramin was the son of Richard and Florence Ramin. Dick started for his secondary school football team, the Williamsport High School Millionaires. In 1946, he was named lineman for the Pennsylvania All-State Team. After Cornell commencement in 1951, Dick served in the U.S. ArmyUnited States Army
The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
for two years as a First Lieutenant. He was then employed as a Cruise Director, Holland-American Steamship Lines.
Service on Cornell’s nationally ranked football team
While a Cornell undergraduate, Ramin was co-captain, with Rip Haley, of the freshman football team. He started on the varsity football team during the 1948-50 seasons, when Cornell won two Ivy LeagueIvy League
The Ivy League is an athletic conference comprising eight private institutions of higher education in the Northeastern United States. The conference name is also commonly used to refer to those eight schools as a group...
titles.
University administrator
Ramin joined the Cornell university administration in 1954. He served as Alumni Field Secretary. In 1956, he was promoted to Assistant Director of Admissions. Serving in admissions until 1959, he was then appointed Associate Director of Development. In 1964, he was appointed Cornell’s Director of Development during the peak of the university’s post-World War Two expansion under James A. PerkinsJames A. Perkins
James A. Perkins was the seventh president of Cornell University. Born in 1911 in Philadelphia, Perkins graduated with high honors in 1934 from Swarthmore College and received a doctorate in political science from Princeton University in 1937...
. In this capacity, he was required to defend the university’s donor based through the awkward years following the Willard Straight Takeover. In 1970, Dick was asked to take on the collateral duty of Assistant Vice President for Public Affairs during the six years of periodic student protest which followed the Willard Straight incident . Speaking of Ramin’s accomplishments as Director of Development, President Dale Corson said, “under Dick Ramin’s guidance, Cornell’s record in fund-raising has been unsurpassed by any educational institution in the United States.”
In 1971, President Corson elevated Dick Ramin to the Vice President for Public Affairs. In this new omnibus role, Ramin took charge of departments responsible for Alumni Affairs, Alumni Systems and Gift Services, University Development, the University Council, the Trust Office, Office of University Events, college and unit Public Affairs offices and a network of ten regional offices, including International Alumni Affairs. For the next twenty-four years, Dick served with distinction. During his tenure, the Cornell University Council and the University’s Regional Public Affairs Offices were established—two precedent-setting achievements— and three major capital campaigns took place. It was his protection and enhancement of Cornell’s capital endowment that Ramin excelled.
Under Ramin’s early leadership, the Cornell Centennial Campaign was successfully completed at $73.2 million in 1965. He then brought the 1980 Cornell Campaign to $250 million in donations. Dick then spearheaded Cornell’s $1.25 billion Capital Campaign, begun in 1991 and successfully completed in 1995, just before his death. “Cornell never had a more devoted alumnus, nor I a more steadfast friend, than Dick Ramin,” said President Rhodes
Frank H.T. Rhodes
Frank Harold Trevor Rhodes was the ninth president of Cornell University from 1977 to 1995.-Biography:Rhodes was born in Warwickshire, England on October 29, 1926. He attended the University of Birmingham, graduating in 1948 with a Bachelor of Science degree...
. “He lived and breathed Cornell. He was a superb fund-raiser: his work will live on in the remarkable benefits that the present $1.25 billion campaign will contribute to the future strength of the university he loved so much.” .” Robert V. Tishman
Robert Tishman
Robert Valentine Tishman was an American real estate developer who had been head of the family-owned firm Tishman Realty and Construction until it was disestablished in 1977, and was one of the two founding partners of Tishman Speyer, which was formed in 1978 and became one of the largest owners...
said “[h]e was creative, knowledgeable, and the results of what I have done [for Cornell] under his guidance are among the most rewarding I have experienced. Behind that easy country-boy approach was a very sharp mind.”
Family
In 1956, Dick Ramin and Frances Anthony of Penn Yan, New YorkPenn Yan, New York
Penn Yan is a village in Yates County, New York, USA. The population was 5,219 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Yates County and lies at the north end of the east branch of Keuka Lake, one of the Finger Lakes....
were married. Frances, a graduate of Keuka College
Keuka College
Founded in 1890 and located on the shores of Keuka Lake in New York State’s Finger Lakes region, Keuka College is an independent, four-year, residential, coeducational college that places emphasis on career and pre-professional education....
, was then-employed in the Program Department of Willard Straight Hall. In September 1960, the Ramins had their first child, Robert Anthony; in 1963, their daughter, Nancy Alice, was born. Robert Ramin was married to Denise DeConcini in 1985, and they have two children, Margaret Alice and Daniel Anthony. Mrs. Denise (DeConcini) Ramin is the daughter of Dennis DeConcini
Dennis DeConcini
Dennis Webster DeConcini is a former Democratic U.S. Senator from Arizona. Son of former Arizona Supreme Court Judge Evo Anton DeConcini, he represented Arizona in the United States Senate from 1977 until 1995....
, former United States Senator from the State of Arizona and Mrs. Susan (Hurley) DeConcini of Tucson, Arizona
Tucson, Arizona
Tucson is a city in and the county seat of Pima County, Arizona, United States. The city is located 118 miles southeast of Phoenix and 60 miles north of the U.S.-Mexico border. The 2010 United States Census puts the city's population at 520,116 with a metropolitan area population at 1,020,200...
. She took her medical degree from the George Washington University School of Medicine. She took her bachelor’s degree from Cornell University, as did Robert Ramin, who also took his masters in business administration from Cornell's Graduate School of Management. Nancy Ramin married Lawrence Dalton in 1987. They have a daughter, Christine Alice. Over the years, Dick Ramin enjoyed attending the children’s school functions, traveling, cooking Sunday morning brunches, boating, barbecuing at the cottage, playing with his grandchildren, winning at “The Poker Group,” listening to jazz, playing the boom bass, and relaxing with those he loved.
Education
Ramin took his bachelor’s degree from Cornell’s College of Arts and SciencesCornell University College of Arts and Sciences
The College of Arts and Sciences is a division of Cornell University. It has been part of the university since its founding, although its name has changed over time. It grants bachelors degrees, and masters and doctorates through affiliation with the Cornell University Graduate School...
with the class of 1951. Dick majored in political science
Political science
Political Science is a social science discipline concerned with the study of the state, government and politics. Aristotle defined it as the study of the state. It deals extensively with the theory and practice of politics, and the analysis of political systems and political behavior...
. In 1968, he participated in the Graduate School of Business and Public Administration’s (B&PA) Executive Development Program in 1968.
Associations
Dick Ramin was a member of Delta Kappa EpsilonDelta Kappa Epsilon
Delta Kappa Epsilon is a fraternity founded at Yale College in 1844 by 15 men of the sophomore class who had not been invited to join the two existing societies...
fraternity and the Sphinx Head
Sphinx Head
The Sphinx Head Society is the oldest senior honor society at Cornell University. Sphinx Head recognizes Cornell senior men and women who have demonstrated respectable strength of character on top of a dedication to leadership and service at Cornell University...
honorary society. Ramin was a member of the Board of Managers of Willard Straight Hall (1956-58) and a member of the Straight Board of Governors (1958-60). He was Delta Kappa Epsilon’s faculty advisor (1956-59) and a member of the University’s National Scholarship Committee during that same time. Ramin also was a member of the Cornell’s Administrative Systems Planning and Control Committee and a member of the American Alumni Council (AAC) and the American College Public Relations Association (ACPRA). In the Ithaca community, Ramin was a member of the Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce, a deacon of the First Congregational Church, a member of the YMCA Board of Directors. He was active in Explorer scouting and the United Way.
Harvey Sampson, a Ramin confidante of forty-eight years, remarked: “Dick was a very special person. He was modest and unassuming about his accomplishments, which were many and substantial. He was never boastful, nor did he do anything with fanfare or to promote himself. He always praised and gave credit to others.” And as former Cornell president Dale Corson summarized, “[Ramin] will be remembered fondly by those who worked for and with him, for his integrity, his kindness and compassion, his unswerving friendship, his gentle manner, the twinkle in his eye, and his pride in Cornell University and its potential.”
Death and legacy
Ramin died of pulmonary fibrosis. At his Sage ChapelSage Chapel
Sage Chapel is the non-denominational chapel on the campus of Cornell University in Ithaca, New York State and serves as the final resting place of the university's founders, Ezra Cornell and Andrew Dickson White, and their wives...
memorial service, June 18, 1995, the overflow of mourners attested to the words of President Frank H.T. Rhodes
Frank H.T. Rhodes
Frank Harold Trevor Rhodes was the ninth president of Cornell University from 1977 to 1995.-Biography:Rhodes was born in Warwickshire, England on October 29, 1926. He attended the University of Birmingham, graduating in 1948 with a Bachelor of Science degree...
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